In 1868, Burrowes, an individual with much expertise in educational matters for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was consulted by the Board of Trustees, who were seeking his advice in their search for a new President. The College had been plagued by financial troubles and was in danger of closing its doors. Burrowes suggested that they first and foremost choose a man who held administrative abilities. Burrowes himself was then offered the position of President of the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania (as Penn State was called at the time), but accepted only after the annual salary was raised from $2000 to $3000 per year.[3]